Dallas Cowboys Eye Memphis OT Travis Burke in 2026 NFL Draft: Potential “Mauler” Fit for Offensive Line Rebuild

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly taking a close look at Memphis offensive tackle Travis Burke, signaling continued efforts to reinforce an offensive line that remains one of the team’s most important long-term priorities heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.

According to recent reports, the Cowboys have held a virtual meeting with Burke, a rising draft prospect who has been gaining attention for his size, physicality, and developmental upside. While Dallas is widely expected to focus heavily on defensive reinforcements in the upcoming draft, the organization appears equally aware that its offensive line depth and stability cannot be overlooked.

Cowboys Evaluating Offensive Line Depth Heading Into 2026

The Cowboys’ interest in offensive tackle help comes at a time when the structure of their offensive line is still in flux. The team is currently weighing several important personnel decisions that could shape the future of the unit.

One of the biggest questions is whether All-Pro guard Tyler Smith will eventually transition to left tackle in 2026. That move would potentially address the team’s long-term need at the position, but it would simultaneously create a new vacancy at left guard.

If Smith moves outside, the Cowboys could be forced to rely on depth options such as T.J. Bass, who has primarily served as a rotational piece rather than a long-term starter. At the same time, the departure of key depth contributor Brock Hoffman to the Pittsburgh Steelers has further thinned the interior offensive line rotation.

On the opposite side, former first-round pick Tyler Guyton is also under scrutiny after an inconsistent start to his career, leaving Dallas without a clear long-term answer at either tackle spot.

Travis Burke: A Rising Offensive Tackle Prospect

At 6-foot-8 and 325 pounds, Travis Burke stands out immediately as a physically imposing offensive lineman with prototypical NFL tackle size. He also brings impressive length, including 34.5-inch arms and 10-inch hands, giving him the kind of physical tools NFL teams value in developmental tackle prospects.

Burke has started 33 games at right tackle across multiple college stops, including FIU and Memphis. His experience primarily comes on the right side, but scouting evaluations suggest he could also project to left tackle if needed, increasing his value as a versatile offensive line option.

Analysts describe Burke as a powerful “mauler” in the trenches, with a style built on strength, length, and aggression. His playing demeanor is often characterized by physicality at the point of attack, making him a natural fit for power-based blocking schemes.

Scouting Profile: Strengths and Concerns

From a scouting perspective, Burke presents a classic developmental tackle profile: high upside driven by physical traits, but still needing refinement in technical consistency.

Analyst Brandon Thorn of Bleacher Report has compared Burke’s profile to Cowboys right tackle Terence Steele, noting similarities in size, strength, and playing temperament. Steele himself has been a long-term starter in Dallas, though his recent seasons have included struggles in pass protection.

Burke’s strengths include:

• Elite size and length for the position
• Strong, heavy hands in pass protection and run blocking
• Physical, aggressive style in the trenches
• Experience as a multi-year starter at right tackle

However, evaluators also point to concerns such as:

• Below-average lateral quickness
• Upright playing stance that can be exploited by speed rushers
• Occasional difficulty handling elite edge defenders in isolation

Despite those issues, Burke is widely projected as a mid-round selection with starting potential if properly developed.

Why Burke Fits the Cowboys’ Draft Strategy

The Cowboys’ reported interest in Burke aligns with a broader draft philosophy: building long-term depth and competition across the offensive line rather than relying on short-term fixes.

Dallas has experienced inconsistency at both tackle positions in recent seasons, and the coaching staff understands that protection issues directly impact quarterback efficiency and overall offensive stability.

Burke’s appeal lies in his versatility and developmental upside. Even if he does not become an immediate starter, he offers valuable depth at both tackle spots and could grow into a long-term right tackle option.

In a best-case scenario, he could eventually solidify one side of the line, allowing Dallas more flexibility in how it configures the rest of its offensive front.

Draft Projection and Fit in Dallas

Current projections place Burke as a potential late third-round selection, which aligns well with the Cowboys’ draft positioning. Dallas holds a third-round pick near the back half of the round, making him a realistic target if the team chooses to address offensive line depth on Day 2 of the draft.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the Cowboys’ tackle situation, selecting a prospect like Burke would represent both a short-term insurance policy and a long-term developmental investment.

Final Outlook

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys appear to be balancing two priorities: strengthening a defense in need of reinforcements and ensuring the offensive line remains stable and competitive.

The reported meeting with Travis Burke suggests that the team is not ignoring the importance of protecting the quarterback and building long-term offensive consistency.

While Burke is not a guaranteed solution, his combination of size, experience, and upside makes him a logical fit for a franchise seeking to stabilize its trenches.

If Dallas ultimately selects him, Burke could become another piece in the ongoing effort to rebuild and future-proof one of the most important units on the roster—the offensive line.